Name: Tracy Million Simmons
Company: Meadowlark Press
Could you tell us a bit about your business/organization?
“105 Meadowlark Reader” is a Kansas journal of creative nonfiction, a collaboration two small Kansas publishers, Meadowlark Press and Quincy Press. We created this twice-yearly publication as a forum for sharing the work of Kansas writers, to build and uplift the community of Kansas writers, and to share and promote resources for Kansas writers.
What is your role at your business?
As the owner of Meadowlark Press, I am the production side of “105 Meadowlark Reader.” I design the publication, and I am in charge of getting the publication into the hands of readers.
Briefly describe the products that POD Print provides to you.
Our name, 105, comes from the 105 counties of Kansas. Our goal is to eventually feature stories and/or authors from every county in the state. As a Kansas-centric publication, it only makes sense to have our journal printed in a Kansas facility. POD Print provides the first-run print of each issue of “105 Meadowlark Reader.”
What are some common challenges that you face at your business?
As a small press on a budget, we have to balance cost and quantity without sacrificing quality. There are lots of print-on-demand options for journals and books these days. Unfortunately, most of them do not give us the ability to select all the variables of a printed product that we would prefer.
How does POD Print help you achieve your goals?
Working with POD Print has given us the option of selecting details such as paper weight and cover stock when printing our journal. We aren’t just printing a paperback book now, we are creating a gorgeous, Kansas-grown keepsake from cover to cover.
What qualities do you look for when choosing a printing company?
Consistency in product quality and attention to detail. I love having a connection with an individual who knows me by name, knows our product, and is able to advise and help us meet our goals with this project, as well as speculate with us on future print projects.
How did you hear about POD Print?
An author I admire and respect, Jim Potter, suggested that I check out their services. He was impressed by your customer service and product, as am I.
How long have you been doing business with POD Print?
The first issue of “105 Meadowlark Reader” was published in the spring of 2021.
Why did you choose POD Print?
Jim Potter’s recommendation, as well as the fact that POD had shown an interest in supporting Kansas Authors by joining the Kansas Authors Club, an organization that I have been a member of for more than 20 years.
What is your favorite feature of our product and/or service? Why?
I love that the amazing photos we have selected for our covers look like artwork on the finished product. Our journals are wonderful reading, but also worthy of framing for the cover photos alone.
What would you tell others looking for a printing company?
If shopping local, supporting local is your motto, POD Print is a great place for the Kansas author and small Kansas press.
Where can we find out more about you or your organization?
https://www.105meadowlarkreader.com/
https://meadowlark-books.square.site/
Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do outside of work?
As the owner of Meadowlark Press, I have published 41 books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction since 2014, including the Kansas Notable titles “To Leave a Shadow” (2016) and “All Hallows’ Shadows” (2021) by Michael D. Graves and “Headwinds” (2020) a memoir by Edna Bell-Pearson. In 2021 we added a Midwest Book Award winner, “Opulence, Kansas”
Do you have any overall feedback or advice for us as a company?
It has been a pleasure to work with you on “105 Meadowlark Reader” and I look forward to growing our press so that we are printing more first-runs of our titles with you in the future.
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Despite all the revisions I threw at you, this was still the smoothest catalog development/printing/distribution in our company history! I am grateful to have you as a partner moving forward!
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I asked a successful author who his favorite printer was. When he said POD Print without hesitation, that was enough endorsement. I quickly learned that POD Print is enthusiastic, friendly, competent, and encouraging. Now when people ask me where I got my books printed, I don’t hesitate to tell them POD Print as well.
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